Print
Category: Non-Local News Releases Non-Local News Releases
Published: 03 January 2019 03 January 2019

Everyone Older than 6 Months Should Get Vaccinated

SANTA FE, NM - The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) reports today additional flu-related deaths in the state, bringing the total so far this 2018-2019 flu season to four. The deaths are all among people over the age of 50 from Lincoln, Santa Fe, Rio Arriba, and Mora Counties. 

Since our report December 17 of the first flu death of the season, flu activity has sharply increased and is now widespread in New Mexico. Nationally, influenza activity is also on the rise. 

Flu season peaks annually between December and February, and NMDOH encourages residents who haven’t gotten their flu shot yet to get one, especially if they are among those most at risk for flu-related complications or live or work with people in those at-risk populations. 

“The flu vaccine is the best way for you to protect yourself and your families, especially young children and elderly family members,” said State Epidemiologist Dr. Michael Landen. “As influenza infections increase across the state, there is still time to get vaccinated if you haven’t already received flu vaccine this season. This is one of the most important disease interventions you can take advantage of for your health.” 

While everyone 6 months of age and older should get a flu vaccine each flu season, it's especially important that people in the following groups get vaccinated, either because they are at high risk of having serious flu-related complications or because they live with or care for people at high risk for developing flu-related complications:

Contact your healthcare provider or local pharmacy to receive vaccine for protection against influenza and pneumonia. For help finding pharmacies in your area that may have flu and pneumococcal vaccine, visit: here or call the CDC INFO immunization hotline toll-free at 1-800-232-4636

NMDOH’s public health offices statewide provide vaccine for people with no health insurance. You can find the office nearest you at here

Symptoms of seasonal flu may include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headache, tiredness and/or muscle aches. People who might have flu – particularly if they are in the groups listed above at risk for severe disease and complications – should seek medical care and start antiviral medication as soon as possible.

In addition, there are simple things anyone can do to help prevent getting – or spreading – the flu: 

For more information about how the NMDOH and CDC track flu cases in New Mexico and beyond visit our Influenza Surveillance Program webpage